This video is tributary to ‘Middle Way Philosophy 1: Introduction’, which introduced the Middle Way as a principle of judgement, navigating in uncertainty between opposed absolutes. This video is directed towards Buddhists or those interested in Buddhism, to aid understanding of the differences between the universal Middle Way and the Middle Way in Buddhism. Though the Middle Way was (probably) first articulated as a concept by the Buddha, it is not limited to or justified by the Buddhist tradition, and can be found in all sorts of other contexts too. The Middle Way does not depend on the belief that the Buddha was enlightened (which indeed, being absolute, conflicts with the Middle Way).

This is the eighth video in the Middle Way Philosophy introductory course.

Some suggested reflection questions (these pre-suppose some previous interest or familiarity with Buddhism):

1. What does Buddhism (or ‘The Dharma’) mean to you?
2. What aspects of Buddhism are universal?
3. What issues might there be in interpreting these universal aspects of Buddhism?
4. How can these universal aspects of Buddhism actually help people, including those that are not Buddhists?
5. Why do you think metaphysical beliefs have become part of the Buddhist tradition?

Suggested further reading

Migglism Section 2 ‘Middle Way’

Middle Way Philosophy 1: 3 a&b

The Trouble with Buddhism

Stephen Batchelor: After Buddhism